MARTYN WILLIAMS last night admitted he is one mistake away from being dropped again because of the fierce competition for places in the Wales back row.

The former captain, arguably the country's most consistent forward in recent years, was controversially left out of the starting line-up for the World Cup quarter-final with England in Brisbane last autumn.

But he is back for the opening of Wales' Six Nations campaign, against Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday.

Young gun Jonathan Thomas, a revelation Down Under, has made way for him, but 40-times capped Williams admitted the pressure is right on, comparing Wales' burgeoning back-row riches to that of Ireland.

The Irish have nine high-quality players competing for three places. Wales, according to the Cardiff Blues captain, are up to five with youngsters like Richie Pugh, James Bater and Robin Sowden-Taylor snapping at their heels.

Williams is in a dog-fight with skipper Colin Charvis, Dafydd Jones, Thomas and Leeds Tykes No 8 Alix Popham for a place in coach Steve Hansen's line-up.

"We have got five good players," he said. "And five doesn't go into three. Perhaps competition is something we have not had for a long time.

"It keeps everyone on their toes. What it shows is you can't sit back for one minute or you might be out.

"It was something we needed. It is a nice position for Steve Hansen to be in. There are not many certs in this team.

"I am always nervous before the Wales team is announced, but I was doubly nervous this time because of how well the boys played in the last game at the World Cup.

"It is nice to be back because I didn't make the starting line-up for the England game at the World Cup.

"But I have got to feel for JT (Thomas) because he was awesome at the World Cup. That guy is going to be a British Lion. He has got years ahead of him. He has got a great attitude and head on him.

"JT is the kind of guy that won't allow this to bother him. He is a brilliant professional who will probably have involvement somewhere on Saturday.

"I know I have to play well. We knew it was going to be a tough call on whichever one of us was not picked, but Steve has made it quite clear, if you are not on form, you won't be in the team. I think everyone is in the same position now we have some strength in depth."

Williams admitted he was drained by the World Cup, saying, "Since Christmas I have been pleased with my form. I found it tough before then, but it has helped the boys at Cardiff Blues have been playing well.

"Blues coach David Young has been brilliant. After the World Cup he had a long chat with me. He could see I was mentally tired and told me to get away from it and switch off."

But the thought of being part of an exciting Wales side invigorated the 28-year-old.

"I think we showed our potential at the World Cup. When the game was broken up we looked pretty dangerous.

"Now there is a different kind of pressure on us. The potential is there, but it is really time we delivered.

"I can't understand the people who are writing off Scotland. They have got a new side and a new coach. We are really, really wary of them.

"But, if we can play the game we want, we have every chance. People have to realise it is going to be different to the World Cup because, first and foremost, we want to win and have got a plan to do that.

"It may mean playing more like we did in the first three games at the World Cup, against Canada, Tonga and Italy.

"The romantics will expect us to play like we did against New Zealand and England, but a win is what we want. It's vital.

"Obviously our strength is in the backs. We have got really good runners and we would like to use them. But, as much as we would like to play with style, the most important thing is to win on Saturday, even if it is by 3-0."